Standing Firm: Embracing God's Presence in Uncertainty
Summary
In today's reflection, we delve into the profound message of standing firm in faith amidst life's uncertainties, drawing from Isaiah chapter seven. This passage, often associated with the Christmas narrative, introduces us to the concept of Emmanuel, "God with us," a promise that transcends time and circumstance. We find ourselves in the shoes of Ahaz, the king of Judah, who faces a formidable alliance between Aram and Israel. Despite his waywardness and lack of faith, God, through the prophet Isaiah, extends a message of hope and assurance. God promises that the plans of Ahaz's enemies will not prevail, urging him to stand firm and trust in divine sovereignty.
The narrative of Ahaz is a mirror to our own lives, where we often find ourselves shaken by unexpected challenges, much like the earthquake that disrupted our sleep last night. These moments of unrest remind us of our vulnerability and the need for a steadfast anchor. God’s message to Ahaz is a timeless reminder that He is in control, even when the world around us seems chaotic. The call to stand firm is not just a call to passive waiting but an invitation to active trust in God's promises and His ultimate plan.
Isaiah's prophecy of a virgin bearing a son named Emmanuel serves as a dual fulfillment—both a sign for Ahaz and a foreshadowing of Christ's birth. This typology illustrates God's consistent faithfulness and His intricate plan woven through history. The prophecy reassures us that God is with us, not only in the grand narrative of salvation but in the intimate details of our lives. As we navigate our own trials, we are encouraged to remember that God’s word is true, His promises are reliable, and His presence is constant.
As we partake in communion and recite the Apostles' Creed, we reaffirm our faith in these truths. We are reminded that we are not alone; God is with us, and we are part of a community that supports and uplifts one another. In standing firm, we find strength not only in God’s sovereignty but also in the shared faith and fellowship of believers.
Key Takeaways:
- Divine Sovereignty in Chaos: Life's unexpected challenges, like the earthquake, remind us of our vulnerability. Yet, God's message to Ahaz assures us that He is in control, urging us to stand firm in faith, trusting His sovereignty over all circumstances. [27:11]
- The Assurance of God's Presence: The prophecy of Emmanuel, "God with us," is a profound reminder that we are never alone. In our darkest valleys, God's presence is our comfort and strength, guiding us through life's uncertainties. [36:42]
- The Reliability of God's Word: Isaiah's prophecy serves as a testament to the truth of God's word. The fulfillment of prophecies throughout scripture reassures us that God's promises are reliable, and we can trust Him even when doubts arise. [49:02]
- Active Trust in God's Plan: Standing firm is not passive waiting but active trust in God's ultimate plan. Despite Ahaz's rebellion, God extends grace, inviting us to trust His provision and protection in our own lives. [51:28]
- Community and Faith: As we partake in communion and recite the Apostles' Creed, we are reminded of the strength found in community. We are encouraged to support one another, sharing burdens and standing firm together in faith. [01:06:04]
Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [25:37] - Earthquake and Unsettled Times
- [27:11] - Standing Firm in Uncertainty
- [29:11] - Historical Context of Judah and Israel
- [30:44] - The Threat Against Judah
- [32:22] - God's Assurance to Ahaz
- [33:51] - Ahaz's Rebellion and God's Grace
- [35:12] - The Prophecy of Emmanuel
- [36:42] - God's Presence in Our Lives
- [38:37] - Divine Appointments and Trust
- [39:52] - God's Knowledge of Our Struggles
- [41:39] - The Call to Stand Firm
- [44:51] - Trusting God's Control
- [49:02] - The Truth of God's Word
- [51:28] - Ahaz's Rebellion and God's Patience
- [01:06:04] - Communion and Community
- [01:08:56] - Invitation to Trust and Baptism
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Isaiah 7:1-16
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Observation Questions:
1. What was the political situation in Judah during the time of King Ahaz, and how did it contribute to his fear? [27:55]
2. How did God communicate His message to Ahaz, and what was the significance of Isaiah's son accompanying him? [35:12]
3. What specific prophecy did Isaiah deliver to Ahaz, and how was it meant to reassure him? [38:37]
4. How does the prophecy of a virgin bearing a son named Emmanuel serve as a dual fulfillment in the context of Ahaz and the New Testament? [52:33]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does the narrative of Ahaz teach us about the consequences of seeking human alliances over divine guidance? [32:22]
2. How does the prophecy of Emmanuel, "God with us," provide comfort and assurance in times of personal uncertainty and fear? [01:03:24]
3. In what ways does the fulfillment of biblical prophecies, as discussed in the sermon, strengthen the reliability of God's word? [59:09]
4. How does the concept of standing firm in faith, as illustrated in the sermon, challenge the idea of passive waiting for God's intervention? [44:51]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you felt shaken or unsettled. How did you respond, and what might you do differently in light of God's sovereignty? [45:44]
2. The sermon emphasized the importance of community and shared faith. How can you actively support someone in your community who is currently facing challenges? [01:06:04]
3. Consider the prophecy of Emmanuel, "God with us." How can you remind yourself of God's presence in your daily life, especially during difficult times? [01:03:24]
4. What are some practical steps you can take to actively trust in God's plan, even when circumstances seem chaotic or uncertain? [51:28]
5. How can you incorporate the truths of the Apostles' Creed into your daily life to reinforce your faith and stand firm in your beliefs? [01:06:04]
6. Identify a specific area in your life where you struggle to trust God's control. What is one action you can take this week to surrender that area to Him? [49:02]
7. How can you use the fulfillment of biblical prophecies to engage in conversations with others about the reliability of God's word? [59:09]
Devotional
Day 1: Divine Sovereignty Amidst Life's Chaos
In the face of life's unexpected challenges, such as natural disasters or personal crises, we are reminded of our vulnerability and the need for a steadfast anchor. The story of Ahaz in Isaiah chapter seven illustrates how God extends a message of hope and assurance even when circumstances seem dire. Despite Ahaz's lack of faith, God promises that the plans of his enemies will not prevail, urging him to stand firm and trust in divine sovereignty. This narrative serves as a timeless reminder that God is in control, even when the world around us seems chaotic. Standing firm in faith is not about passive waiting but involves actively trusting in God's promises and His ultimate plan. [27:11]
Isaiah 45:6-7 (ESV): "That people may know, from the rising of the sun and from the west, that there is none besides me; I am the Lord, and there is no other. I form light and create darkness; I make well-being and create calamity; I am the Lord, who does all these things."
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you felt overwhelmed by chaos. How can you actively trust in God's sovereignty in that situation today?
Day 2: The Assurance of God's Presence
The prophecy of Emmanuel, "God with us," is a profound reminder that we are never alone. In the darkest valleys of our lives, God's presence is our comfort and strength, guiding us through uncertainties. This assurance is not just a historical promise but a present reality that we can rely on. The prophecy serves as a dual fulfillment—both a sign for Ahaz and a foreshadowing of Christ's birth, illustrating God's consistent faithfulness and His intricate plan woven through history. As we navigate our own trials, we are encouraged to remember that God’s word is true, His promises are reliable, and His presence is constant. [36:42]
Psalm 139:7-10 (ESV): "Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you feel most alone? How can you invite the assurance of God's presence into that area today?
Day 3: The Reliability of God's Word
Isaiah's prophecy serves as a testament to the truth of God's word. The fulfillment of prophecies throughout scripture reassures us that God's promises are reliable, and we can trust Him even when doubts arise. This reliability is not just about the grand narrative of salvation but also about the intimate details of our lives. As we face uncertainties, we are encouraged to hold onto the truth of God's word, knowing that His promises are steadfast and His presence is unwavering. This trust in God's word is a foundation that can sustain us through life's challenges. [49:02]
Numbers 23:19 (ESV): "God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?"
Reflection: What is one promise from God's word that you struggle to believe? How can you remind yourself of its truth today?
Day 4: Active Trust in God's Plan
Standing firm is not passive waiting but active trust in God's ultimate plan. Despite Ahaz's rebellion, God extends grace, inviting us to trust His provision and protection in our own lives. This active trust involves engaging with God's promises and aligning our actions with His will. It requires us to move beyond mere belief to a lived faith that reflects our confidence in God's sovereignty. As we face our own challenges, we are called to actively participate in God's plan, trusting that His ways are higher than ours and that His purposes will prevail. [51:28]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find it difficult to trust God's plan? What step can you take today to actively trust Him in that area?
Day 5: Community and Faith
As we partake in communion and recite the Apostles' Creed, we are reminded of the strength found in community. We are encouraged to support one another, sharing burdens and standing firm together in faith. This communal aspect of faith is vital, as it provides encouragement and accountability. Being part of a faith community means that we are not alone in our journey; we have others to lean on and to uplift us. In standing firm, we find strength not only in God’s sovereignty but also in the shared faith and fellowship of believers. [01:06:04]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: Who in your faith community can you reach out to for support or encouragement today? How can you be a source of strength for someone else in your community?
Quotes
1. "But those things are unsettling. And that's what we're talking about this morning is standing firm. And kind of when life gets unsettled and life is difficult and things come at us and how do we stand firm in those things? We are the king of Israel at this time, or the king of Judah. I'm sorry. The king of Judah at this time. The southern kingdom, Ahaz, is going through a little bit of an unsettling time. And so we're going to look at what God does in his life to help him there." [27:11] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "God doesn't like that because God says, I will be your defender. I will protect you, seek me. But Ahaz, we know down in Judah, was not one who was listening to God. And so Isaiah is going to get called here to talk to Ahaz. We know Ahaz didn't follow God because in two kings, chapter 16, when it talks about Ahaz, he comes to power when he's 20 years old. He reigns for 16 years. It says that he was, did not follow his father, Uzziah, who was a good king, but he went after the bad kings of the kings of the north of Israel, even so much as this. He had his son pass through the fire, which what that means is not that they walked on coals or something like that, but they actually burned, sacrificed. He sacrificed one of his sons to an idol." [32:22] (64 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "He is shaken. He is disturbed in his soul. Have you ever been disturbed in your soul? Have you ever been shaken in your soul? When something, you get bad news or something changes, you lose your job or something happens, a friend turns against you, all sorts of things happen, health issues, all financial issues, things that come at you that shake us. This is what's happening to Ahaz. Here he is being shaken. He's unsettled. And all of Israel, because they see the Arameans with Israel coming up against them." [35:12] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "God knows the situation that has come against you that is causing you to be unsettled. God knows. God is telling Ahaz through Isaiah, I already know what's going on. This is not hidden from me. I'm in control. He says, it shall not stand, nor shall it come to pass. It's not going to happen. He goes, because verse eight, the head of Aram is Damascus. What does he mean by that? The head of Aram being Damascus, right there. Damascus, the capital of Aram. He says, look, look, Aram, its capital is Damascus. That's where the king sits. And who sits on the throne there? He says, the head of Damascus is Rezin, this king. He's a mAn. He's a smoldering firebrand. He's nothing to me. I'm God. He's nothing." [39:52] (62 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The point being here that what Jesus, what God is saying through Isaiah is this, I want you to stand firm because I'm in control. Stand firm because God is in control. He knows the future. He's in control of it all. He sees it all. He is in control. The theological term for that is, he is sovereign. He is sovereign over all things. And so he tells him here at the end of verse nine, if you will not believe that the hebrew word therefore not believe is, if you will not stand firm, if you will not stand firm, you shall surely not last or endure. You will die. You need to stand firm. We need to stand firm as well." [43:52] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "We can do that when we trust that God is in control. There's a lot of things that are out of our control. Most things that we have anxiety about, that we stress about and worry about or unshaken about are completely out of our control. Some things are in our control. We can control our actions, and we can control our reactions. Right? That's all we can control. We can't control other things. Kind of like heart disease. Like, there are some things like. That are preventable when it comes to heart disease, I can do some things about that, but sometimes there's not. So there's some times heart disease is going to happen that is outside of your control. A lot of things in life, we can control certain things. So we can always control our actions and our reactions, but that's it." [45:44] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "God's given us the end. He tells us what's gonna happen. There's gonna be God wins and his people reign with him in his kingdom, God wins. And so we go through this life and we start stressing out about things, not realizing, wait, God's in control. God is going to produce the outcome in the end that he wants. I'm not saying that everything that happens in life, God makes happen, because otherwise God would have to be the author of sin and God is not. But God knows what's going to happen. God knows the things you will freely choose to do. He's seen it all. He already knows. And he has already made provisions for all of those things so that the outcome that he wants will happen. God's in control, and so we need to trust in that." [47:48] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "We see through the Bible here that we see prophecy after prophecy being fulfilled. We see this prophecy getting fulfilled later on in history. We see prophecies all the time that were spoken of. Daniel prophesied kingdoms that weren't even in existence yet. He prophesied the Greeks and the Romans that weren't even in existence. He told these things. He told how a lot of wars would happen, and they happened. We see over and over again through the Bible that God's word is true, that this isn't just some book of man, that 66 different books, all compiled, placed together by 40 different authors speaking over 1500 years. They are writing these things down, but it's completely unified, telling one whole story." [59:09] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "We can trust God when life gets shaky and life gets difficult, we can trust in a goddess who is in control and his word is true, and we can take him at his word that he has got this all in hand, that he will be with us, that he is greater than all those things. If we lift up our prayers to him, he will hear us. God is true. God is good. And we can have confidence that his word is true. And then finally, we can stand firm because he is with us. This name, Emmanuel, means God is with us." [01:02:18] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "When we get shaken in life, we often feel alone, right? We feel like, oh, I'm the only one. I'm struggling. No one is here with me. Who is going to help me? Who's going to carry my burdens? Who is going to be with me? Who is going to hear me. No one gets it. No one understands me. We start to feel very alone and isolated. And Jesus said to us that he will never leave us nor forsake us. He is the Emmanuel. This was fulfilled in Jesus Matthew, as he recounts the story of the virgin birth. Matthew says it fulfilled this, that a virgin would give birth to a son and he would be God with us. Jesus is Emmanuel. God with us." [01:03:24] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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